In her classic tale, Charlotte Brontë introduced readers to the strong-willed and intelligent Jane Eyre. The Jane Eyre Chronicles pick up where Brontë left off, with Jane married to her beloved Edward Rochester and mother to a young son. But Jane soons finds herself having to protect those she loves… While extensive repairs are being made to Ferndean, their rural home, Jane and Edward accept an invitation from their friend Lucy Brayton to stay with her in London. Jane is reluctant to abandon their peaceful life in the countryside, but Edward’s damaged vision has grown worse. She hopes that time in the capital will buoy his spirits and give him the chance to receive treatment from an ocular specialist. Once in London, the Rochesters accompany Lucy to the Italian Opera House. But there is more drama in the audience than on stage—Jane not only unexpectedly finds herself in the presence of King George and his mistress, Lady Conygham, she also encounters an old nemesis in the form of Lady Ingram (whose daughter, Blanche, once hoped to wed Edward herself). The aging dowager deals both Jane and Lucy a very public snub; hoping to mitigate the social damage caused by this, Lucy insists on visiting the Ingrams the next day. The visit goes poorly from the start—and ends with Lady Ingram dropping dead in the midst of taking tea. It soon becomes clear that the dowager’s death was an unnatural one, and Jane must set her considerable intelligence to the problem of solving it—and why the throne appears to have an interest …

Discover the extraordinary story of the woman who brought China into the modern age, from the bestselling author of Wild Swans In this groundbreaking biography, Jung Chang vividly describes how Empress Dowager Cixi – the most important woman in Chinese history – brought a medieval empire into the modern age. Under her, the ancient country attained virtually all the attributes of a modern state and it was she who abolished gruesome punishments like ‘death by a thousand cuts’ and put an end to foot-binding. Jung Chang comprehensively overturns the conventional view of Cixi as a diehard conservative and cruel despot and also takes the reader into the depths of her splendid Summer Palace and the harem of Beijing’s Forbidden City, where she lived surrounded by eunuchs – with one of whom she fell in love, with tragic consequences. Packed with drama, fast-paced and gripping, it is both a panoramic depiction of the birth of modern China and an intimate portrait of a woman: as the concubine to a monarch, as the absolute ruler of a third of the world’s population, and as a unique stateswoman. ‘Powerful’ Simon Sebag Montefiore ‘Truly authoritative’ New York Times ‘Wonderful’ Sunday Times **Shortlisted for the James Tait Black Biography Prize**

Welcome to the intriguing world of "China under the Empress Dowager: Being the History of the Life and Times of Tzŭ Hsi" by J. O. P. Bland and Sir E. Backhouse, a vivid portrayal of one of the most influential figures in Chinese history. Explore the captivating story of Empress Dowager Tzŭ Hsi, a woman of immense power and influence who ruled China for nearly half a century. Bland and Backhouse's meticulously researched narrative takes readers on a journey through the tumultuous era of late Qing dynasty China, revealing the complex political intrigues, cultural shifts, and historical events that shaped her reign. Delve into the character analysis of Empress Dowager Tzŭ Hsi, a formidable yet enigmatic figure whose decisions impacted the course of Chinese history. The authors illuminate her role in navigating China through internal strife, foreign encroachment, and the challenges of modernization, offering profound insights into her leadership style and legacy. Through rich historical detail and vivid storytelling, Bland and Backhouse capture the overall tone and mood of late 19th and early 20th-century China, painting a comprehensive portrait of a nation in transition. Their narrative skillfully intertwines the personal and political, providing a nuanced perspective on Tzŭ Hsi's life and the era she dominated. "China under the Empress Dowager" has garnered critical acclaim for its scholarly rigor and compelling narrative. It appeals to readers interested in Chinese history, gender studies, and the influence of powerful women in shaping global events. Whether you're a historian, a student of Asian studies, or simply curious about the life of one of China's most controversial figures, Bland and Backhouse's account offers a fascinating exploration of power, politics, and culture in late imperial China. Order your copy today and immerse yourself in the life and times of Empress Dowager Tzŭ Hsi. Don't miss this opportunity to uncover the secrets of China's last Empress Dowager. Bland and Backhouse's compelling narrative will transport you to a bygone era of imperial splendor and political intrigue.

In all the history of China, only two women ever conquered and held the heights of power. Both enjoyed long reigns characterized by ruthless intrigue; they maintained an iron grip at the center while the vast country was torn by rebellions and caught up in foreign wars. Through their policy decisions as well as their personal foibles, both left a deep imprint in history and in the minds of the Chinese people, fueling literature and legend. Fighting to maintain her power base, Empress Cixi struggled with the need to modernize the painfully backward empire she had inherited while honoring age-old traditions. She studied previous rulers' failures and achievements, and especially followed the example of another Chinese woman leader, Wu-Hou, who had elevated herself from concubine to empress some 1200 years earlier.

This definitive biography depicts one Victorian woman’s struggle to stay afloat in a rising tide of prurient scandalmongering and snobbery. Could it be that this woman’s character and circumstances informed Oscar Wilde’s social comedies? She was the daughter of a leading Conservative Oxford don, vilified as an arrogant fortune-hunter. Her liaison dangereuse with a Duke resulted in ostracism by Queen Victoria’s cronies, as well as protracted, widely publicised legal disputes with his family. One battle put her in Holloway Gaol for six weeks. Her supporters, over time, included Disraeli, the Khedival family of Egypt, the de Lesseps, and Sir Albert Kaye Rollit (a promoter of women’s suffrage, later her third husband). Her life and that of her family drew in British and European colonialism, and even Reilly, the “Ace of Spies”. Various previously untapped letters, diaries and journals allow the reader to navigate through the sensationalist fog of the primarily Liberal press of her time. The book will appeal to anyone interested in Victorian and journalism history, and gender and celebrity studies.

The book is the volume of "Selected Biographies of Chinese Empress Dowager in Major Dynasties" among a series of books for "100 Biographies on Chinese Historical Figures".

In a world dominated by men, one woman rose from the shadows of the Forbidden City to become the most powerful figure in the Qing Dynasty. Empress Dowager Cixi—a name synonymous with intrigue, ambition, and unparalleled political acumen—steered China through one of its most turbulent eras. Yehenara Lixue delves deep into the life of Cixi, the woman who transformed herself from a low-ranking concubine into the de facto ruler of China. With deft maneuvering, Cixi overcame formidable challenges, including internal rebellions and foreign threats, while initiating reforms that would set the stage for modern China. Yet her legacy is shrouded in controversy—was she a ruthless tyrant or a visionary leader who sought to preserve and strengthen her nation? This meticulously researched biography unveils the complexities of Cixi's character, exploring her strengths, flaws, and the intricacies of court politics that she navigated with exceptional skill. Discover the untold story of a woman who defied the norms of her time and left an indelible mark on the history of China.

This volume of the Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women completes the four-volume project and contains more than 400 biographies of women active in the Tang through Ming dynasties (618-1644). Many of the entries are the result of original research and provide the only substantial information on women available in English. Of note is the inclusion of a large number of women who reached positions of authority during this period as well as women artists and writers, especially poets, during this period of increased female literacy and more liberal social attitudes to women's cultural roles. Wherever possible, entries incorporate translations of poems and sometimes prose works so as to let the women speak for themselves. The book also includes a multitude of entertainers and actresses. The volume includes a Guide to Chinese Words Used, a Chronology of Dynasties and Major Rulers, a Finding List by Background or Fields of Endeavor, and a Glossary of Chinese Names. It will prove to be a useful tool for research and teaching.